problem loading 200 gr SWC in XD45

[JimGun]

In the past, I have only loaded Ranier .230 gr RN for my .45 XD, but I have been experimenting with Berry’s 200 gr. SWC.

I started out at the smallest powder load for LSWC and the XD couldn’t eject the spent casings. I have now increased the load to 5.3 grs W231 and have put a taper crimp measuring .472 with a COL of 1.225, but still I had one round that failed to seat in the barrel. (although the previous shell casing ejected.) the avg FPS out of a 4 “ barrel was 724.

What I find puzzling is that I shot Ranier 230 gr RN on 5.1 grs W231 with COL of 1.260 with avg fps of 653, but I had no problems ejecting the rounds or seating the following round. I would appreciate some direction on what I might look at to improve my performance of .200 gr. SWC.

 

[J.R.W.]

Unless you are hung up on using a SWC, I'd give these a shot.

http://www.missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=78&category=5&secondary=13&keywords=

 

[918v]

Do they drop into the chamber, or do you have to force them in? Maybe you have a tight throat and need to seat them a bit deeper?

 

[ReloaderFred]

The XD format is a Service Pistol, and as such, it's designed for "service" ammunition. It's not designed to feed the short SWC bullet. I know, I've tried with mine, and no combination worked.

My favorite plinking bullet for the .45 acp XD is the Berry's 185 gr. RNHB bullet, which has the same profile as the 230 grain RN.

By the way, all my XD's have short leades, which can affect seating depth on certain bullets.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[reloadergriz]

In the past, I have only loaded Ranier .230 gr RN for my .45 XD, but I have been experimenting with Berry’s 200 gr. SWC.

I started out at the smallest powder load for LSWC and the XD couldn’t eject the spent casings. I have now increased the load to 5.3 grs W231 and have put a taper crimp measuring .472 with a COL of 1.225, but still I had one round that failed to seat in the barrel. (although the previous shell casing ejected.) the avg FPS out of a 4 “ barrel was 724.

What I find puzzling is that I shot Ranier 230 gr RN on 5.1 grs W231 with COL of 1.260 with avg fps of 653, but I had no problems ejecting the rounds or seating the following round. I would appreciate some direction on what I might look at to improve my performance of .200 gr. SWC.

hi JimGun .. I found out the hard way ( once) that round nosed bullets will usually always feed & SWC's aren't designed for them period .. Try loading 'any' round nosed bullet of the exact spec ( .451 ) ? & i'll bet they'll feed with no problem at all .. My Beretta carbine in .45 acp did the exact same thing , even inert .. as soon as i changed back to r/n no problem at all & i fed & ejected the whole (8) rnds in a row .. You might be fine with hardcast r/n , but the bullet dia' might be .452 & if you have a tight chamber ? .. lastly are you using a factory crimp die ? ( lee ) works great for semi's ( handguns ) & it stopped all my feeding / ejecting problems in .380 / 9mm (luger) / .40 s&w / .45 acp .. * As you well know , some handguns , especially semi auto's can be very finicky about what they're fed & as you're doing, changing off until you hit your goal is what we do .. p.s. I have MO. H/cast R/n in stock for all my .45's & Berry's / Ranier / & of course the higher end h/def' heads ..I polish the feed ramp(s) & slides on most of my guns ..the tolerances of today's modern .45's are much tighter than say the 'older 1911's . IMHO the Lee F/C Dies are the key for me at least . I have never had a problem since with any caliber .. thanks & you're 'more than welcome ..( sharing is caring ) ADD * To clarify, i assumed you were using Lead swc's .. Strange even with copper clad 200 grn swc's my semi's do not like them , however the exact company in a 180/5 grn works fine as the taper is smoother and less of an 'angle' to feed

 

[JimGun]

Thank you for your posts. At least I know now that the problem is inherent with the SWC and not me. Rarely is it "not me." And thanks for the Missouri Bullet recomendation.
Jim

 

[MissouriBullet]

Thank you for your posts. At least I know now that the problem is inherent with the SWC and not me. Rarely is it "not me." And thanks for the Missouri Bullet recomendation.
Jim

Jim, we do that bullet specifically for the XD, which is why we named it the "IDP #4-XD."

Brad

 

[GooseGestapo]

I too have an XD in .45acp. I immediately encountered the issue you speak of. I found that if I flush seat the SWC bullet (mine is the Lee 200gr copy of the H&G #68) and apply a slighty heavier crimp that mine function flawlessly. I've also found that the XD requires a slightly higer powder charge to function fully (as compared to a standard M1911).
FWIW, my XD will shoot 1.5" 6-shot groups at 25yds with either 4.0gr of Clays, or 5.4gr of Universal, or 8.5gr of Acc#5. Amazing ! I've had custom M1911's that cost $$$$ that wouldn't shoot as well as that thing !!! (my cast bullets, not commercial production).